An offshore crane mounted on a fixed structure typically operates for 150-300 hours per year, and a crane used to support drilling operations typically accumulates 3,000-5,000 hours per year. The fixed displacement gear type hydraulic system works well for many years on fixed platform applications given the low cumulative hours.

However, because of the cumulative hours as well as the number of hours run consecutively during a drilling cycle,
the fixed displacement gear type hydraulic system provides limited service life and performance on a drilling
support crane.

Seatrax recommends a variable displacement hydraulic system for any crane that will run through drilling cycles.

Variable displacement (medium flow) advantages over fixed displacement include:

  • Provides 50%+ faster operational speeds
  • Provides 400%+ greater hydraulic component life
  • Improved controllability for the operator
  • Quieter operation. (Approximately 72 dba vs. 85-90 dba in the cab w/open wingdeck)
  • Combine the advantages above to translate to greater safety

For more information, read our technical papers on Hydraulic System Types or call 713.896.6500.